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National Security

The National Security Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) is responsible for maintaining and fostering international national security science and technology arrangements.

Existing arrangements include a treaty on cooperation in science and technology with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) and the UK Home Office.

Significant value is created through collaboration with international partners in both information exchange and joint projects.

 

Australia / US Treaty

 

Australia and the United States of America signed a treaty on cooperation in science and technology for domestic security on 21 December 2005. The agreement was signed in Washington by the Australian Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr Dennis Richardson, and the Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, Mr Michael Chertoff.  The agreement established a formal arrangement to facilitate scientific and technological exchange and interaction on counter-terrorism. The agreement is available on the Australian Legal Information Institute website.

The agreement facilitates cooperative activities such as collaborative research, staff visits and information and material exchange that will contribute to the enhancement of domestic security capabilities of both nations. The agreement allows both nations to share advancements in innovative science and technology ideas and capabilities. The implementation of this agreement is coordinated in Australia by DSTO and in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate.

 

Australia / US Memorandum of Understanding

 

On 17 May 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the United States Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) housed in the Department of Defense.

The CTTSO is a US forum that identifies, prioritises, and coordinates interagency and international research and development requirements for combating terrorism. The CTTSO rapidly develops technologies and equipment to meet the high priority needs of the community working on combating terrorism, and addresses joint international operational requirements through cooperative R&D with major allies.

For more information, see the CTTSO website.

 

Australia / UK Memorandum of Understanding

 

Australia and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning national security and counter-terrorism cooperative science and innovation.

The memorandum seeks to make the best use of the science and innovation capabilities of each country, to eliminate unnecessary duplication of work and to obtain the most efficient and cost-effective results through cooperation in joint research activities. The implementation of this agreement is coordinated in Australia by DSTO and in the United Kingdom by the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism (OSCT) within the UK Home Office.